1.   The stores, usually located in suburban shopping centers, target middle-class consumers with brand-name clothing, accessories and furniture.

2.   Although department stores are wall-to-wall with brand-name clothing, their size can make shopping in them time-consuming.

3.   Both offer fashionable brand-name clothing at lower prices.

4.   Brand-name clothing at low prices sold at off-price retailers has entranced shoppers more than clothes that are simply cheap.

5.   Earnings at department stores will be helped by demand for brand-name clothing such as Tommy Hilfiger and Nautica.

6.   It remains a huge outlet for contraband, like counterfeits of brand-name clothing.

7.   Some stores reported stronger sales of brand-name clothing, jewelry and watches, though a weak housing market stifled some spending.

8.   The uniforms, Long Beach educators said, have contributed to a better classroom learning environment by curbing gang tension and the polarization associated with brand-name clothing.

9.   Web sites even permit shoppers to examine, in fine detail, the button design, stitching and fabric weave of brand-name clothing.